Bearing with the kids

A third grade mob jumped ICS principal Laurent Ditmann last week on the asphalt strip behind the cafeteria. Shouting "Whoa!" and "Bear hug!", the 8- and 9-year-olds descended from all sides, hugging, high-fiving, and nearly knocking him down. Witnesses claimed the victim was "asking for it."

A third grade mob jumped ICS principal Laurent Ditmann last week on the asphalt strip behind the cafeteria. Shouting "Whoa!" and "Bear hug!", the 8- and 9-year-olds descended from all sides, hugging, high-fiving, and nearly knocking him down. Witnesses claimed the victim was "asking for it."

Dr. Ditmann, a onetime professor of French literature and natty dresser par excellence, wore a man-sized bear-suit in celebration of Jumpstart Read for the Record Day, a national effort to raise literacy awareness. On Oct. 2, kids across the nation listened to the story of "Corduroy," Don Freeman's classic 1968 children's book about a toy bear.All over ICS on Monday, students gathered to hear the story. Teacher Michael Sanders hammed up his reading, giving the characters voices and imitating their facial expressions.

His third-grade audience was engrossed; at the end, Bill and nearly all his classmates admitted to having favorite stuffed animals.

"It's OK if you do," Mr. Sanders said, "I know I have one at home."

As each class heard the story, Ditmann made the rounds, introducing himself as Corduroy's cousin. In Kindergarten he was greeted by shrieks - most of excitement, some of actual worry. Second graders were a tougher crowd. Ditmann showed off his claws.